Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), stated that the actions of a single terrorist should not endanger innocent civilians. Speaking to students from Balochistan, the DG ISPR emphasized that the military has no interest in harming civilians under the pretext of counter-terrorism operations.
He highlighted that while Balochistan’s youth are filled with patriotism, the local population also has a strong understanding of their relationship with the country. Lt Gen Chaudhry paid tribute to Major Muhammad Anwar Kakar, calling him an exceptional officer and a “proud son of the land.” The military spokesperson noted that Major Kakar had previously neutralized several terrorists in the Gwadar attack and underscored the daily sacrifices made by officers, soldiers, and civilians to protect the nation.
He reiterated that no community should be punished for the actions of an individual. Successful operations, he explained, depend on local cooperation in identifying terrorists, not on indiscriminate area-clearing by military forces. “Once troops withdraw, any unaddressed threats could resurface.”
The DG ISPR further underlined that all operations are intelligence-based to ensure precision and civilian safety. He said the army works closely with local administrations and the public to apprehend terrorists and their facilitators, ensuring accountability without harming innocent residents.
Warning to Those Sheltering Terrorists
Lt Gen Chaudhry also warned that civilians who provide shelter to terrorists or store explosives will face consequences, but the broader community should not be punished. The military’s media wing spokesperson praised the Baloch people for standing against terrorism, noting they are actively reporting terrorist presence in their areas.
The ISPR chief also spoke on Pakistan’s founding principles, emphasizing that the country was established on the basis of the Kalma, beyond linguistic or regional differences. He cited examples of notable Baloch citizens, including the Cambridge-educated scientist Samad Yar Jang, Shahzaib Rind, and female deputy commissioners, as proof that educated Baloch are now actively shaping their own destinies.
The DG ISPR highlighted that Balochistan is not exclusively Baloch, with over 30% of its population being Pashtun. He also pointed out that more members of the Baloch ethnic group live outside the province than within it. The DG ISPR concluded that the essence of Pakistan—“Lā ilāha illallāh”—is embedded in the country’s citizens, reinforcing unity beyond ethnic or regional identity.
